Comedian Charlie Callas dead in Las Vegas at 83

[January 29, 2011]  LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Charlie Callas, a versatile comedian and sidekick whose zany faces and antics made him a regular for more than four decades on television, in films and on casino stages, has died in Las Vegas. He was 83.

A son, Mark Callas, tells The Associated Press that Callas died Thursday in a hospice.

Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy says the death was from natural causes.

Callas toured with Frank Sinatra and Tom Jones, and had a screen part with Jerry Lewis in "The Big Mouth" in 1967.

His facial expressions and rapid-fire comedy also made Callas a favorite on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.

He also worked with Mel Brooks and was the voice of Elliot in Disney's "Pete's Dragon."

[Associated Press; By KEN RITTER]

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